Sweet itch

[GreenGreenGrass]

Hello think my horse is suffering from sweet itch. Just wanted any advice or tips with dealing with it and making it more comfortable for him??

 

[mellissa]

Benzyl benzoate from the chemist worked for my mare. I have also heard Avon skin so soft is good.

I also bought a lycra stretch hood that covered her head, neck and shoulders. She wore this under a full neck fly rug.

I think those boett rugs are supposed to be quite good.

Some people don't like benzyl but when used it on my mare it was like she never had it.

 

[vanessarimmer]

Boett blanket and benzyl benzoate works for me.

 

[GreenGreenGrass]

Brilliant thanks. How do you use the benzyl benzoate apply to affected areas? Thanks guys

 

[popularfurball]

A decent rug (not mesh rug) at all times

I use global herbs Skratch with amazing effects. I'm currently trialling tumeric at 2 tbsp per day as an alternative - makes her smell like cat pee (so flies don't bite her!) and anti inflammatory properties.

Can also feed brewers yeast and micronised linseed to support skin

Regular bathing - I use head and shoulders sensitive to shift scurf and soothe her skin

I use citronella oil from b&q as a repellant - patch test first

I find living out 24/7 beat management when itchy as more self harm done in stable - but I also find her having grass, being over weight and feeds (garlic and alfalfa) make her significantly worse.

 

[curran]

Brilliant thanks. How do you use the benzyl benzoate apply to affected areas? Thanks guys

You need to dilute it to ideally no more than 14% so it doesn't irritate the skin further. Check the % on the ingredients and dilute with water or liquid paraffin. Or buy something already at the correct concentration such as sweet relief.

 

[ladyearl]

Had huge success on a sweet itch horse with Cavalesse last year. It is a feed supplement you can get from the vet but you need to start asap.